About

Purdue University Boiler Vet Camp is a week-long, residential veterinary summer camp for students interested in exploring veterinary medicine and animal healthcare. Hosted by the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine on the West Lafayette, Indiana campus, the camp provides a hands-on preview of clinical and field-oriented veterinary work through laboratories, surgical observations, and interactive learning led by faculty and veterinary students.

The program is split into two seven-day sessions. Junior Vet Camp is open to students entering 8th and 9th grade (minimum age 12) and is scheduled for June 14–20, 2026. It covers a wide range of species, including companion animals, farm animals, and aquatic species. Senior Vet Camp is designed for students entering 10th–12th grade and is scheduled for June 21–27, 2026. This session focuses on canine health, wellness care, physical examination skills, and diagnostic laboratory activities.

Participants live on campus in residence halls for the duration of the camp. The 2026 fees are $1,300 for Junior Vet Camp and $1,600 for Senior Vet Camp, covering housing, meals, instruction, and materials. Admission is competitive, with a limit of approximately 50 students per session—although given the niche nature of this field, the applicant pool is also somewhat self-selecting. The application deadline for the 2026 cycle is February 4, 2026, and accepted students must submit their full payment by April 1. For students considering veterinary school, Boiler Vet Camp provides a realistic look at the academic and professional life of a veterinarian.